DIFFUN, Quirino—The Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) hosted a webinar on racism and peacebuilding via Zoom as part of the International Day of Peace Celebration on Wednesday, September 21, 2022.

The virtual meeting was attended by Scouts from different councils and regions in the Philippines; they were also joined by members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who were undergoing a Public Safety Officers Basic Course (PSOBC). Around 350 participants were present. 

The event tackled main topics and issues revolving around the theme “End Racism, Build Peace”. The webinar featured discussions on racism, particularly its origins, causes, and effects on individuals and communities. It also presented ways and means for the participants to contribute to efforts to end racism as messengers of peace. The Scouts and other participants shared their insights which were gained from the topics discussed by the webinar’s guest speakers towards the end of their presentation.

Three guest speakers were invited to present the topics; Scouter Lauro Reuben Delas Llagas discussed the meaning of the International Day of Peace, while Scouters Bonifacio Train, Jr. and Cedrick Train presented the issues about racism and peacebuilding. Delas Llagas is currently a Messengers of Peace (MoP) national coordinator, assistant leader trainer, and member of the BSP National Executive Board; Train, Jr. is a leader trainer and Dialogue for Peace volunteer facilitator; Train, a retired Police Major General, is both a BSP leader trainer and Chief National Commissioner, as well as the World Organization of the Scouting Movement (WOSM) consultant for diversity and inclusion.

The International Day of Peace is observed around the world every year, on September 21. The United Nations (UN) General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening ideals of peace, by observing 24 hours of non-violence and ceasefire.